21.6.09

Given that the situation in Gaza has not changed since the end of Israeli attacks six months ago, the Palestinian people are still deprived of all basic necessities ie food, clothing, medical care and habitat. However, Palestinians in Gaza have surprised us recently with their ingenuity and expertise in construction. As many of you have seen, they used a construction technique based on ancient local materials such as clay and straw.

At first, I was both happy and sad. I was Happy, because they found "The Solution" despite the very difficult condition caused by the Israeli blockade. I was sad, for me it’s an insult to people who has the right to enjoy all the amenities vital of today as a good thermal insulation, electricity services, drinking water and sewage system.But over time, I found that instead of waiting for the international community which has done nothing up to date and will not do anything for that matter, it would be better than I spend in action and help these people from what is being done as technique of construction and trying to improve it.

What I propose, therefore, is to present some techniques of construction and building systems based on local materials and fit very well with “the block of clay and straw” system. Among these techniques there are the Canadian pit, the Persian wind tower as a good natural air conditioning and heating system that not require electricity. There is also the construction with straw bundle. For materials, there are natural stone, lime, hemp leaves, dried soap based on olive oil, beeswax and so on.All these technical solutions and much more will be published in the group "Architects for Gaza - the reconstruction, starting this week.

Are there some among you who want to help me to enrich these ideas and make them pass as soon as possible to the Palestinian people. For those who are interested (e) s, please send me an email.